Heckingbottom, who was understood to have been Forest's second choice, immediately transformed their fortunes and guided the Tykes to promotion to the Championship before establishing them in the second tier.

Barnsley were among the upper echelons of the table until their best players were sold a year ago amid financial pressure.

On top of that, former owner Patrick Cryne stepped down from day-to-day duties in November 2016 and in May last year learned he was dying from bowel cancer.